Ballroom & Biscotti
episode #4.01 | written by Elise

WB Summary: Lorelai and Rory return from their summer backpacking adventure in Europe to get Rory ready for Yale and catch up with the world of Stars Hollow. Sookie is well along in her pregnancy and confides the sex of the baby to Lorelai, while Luke has returned from the cruise with his girlfriend with surprising news. Richard and Emily are eager to resume the family's Friday night dinners, but when Lorelai fails to show, the sparks are soon flying again.

Elise's Comment:

To this day I still envy Lorelai and Rory for having experienced one of my dreams: a backpacking trip to Europe. Although am I the only one who noticed that they did not look natural at all wearing those backpacks? Their return was well anticipated, by Babette, and by us GG fans, who were anxious to see the fourth season openner. Once in their home, after months of absence, Rory is hilarious while going through her clothes and "making out" with her sock drawer, and Lorelai is quick to admit that she's glad she did "the whole hostel thing" when she was in her 30s, and not younger when she was all innocent and imagined them to be exotic. Something to remember for future reference everyone! The fact that they brought back souvenirs for the whole town is very Stars Hollow-ish. Even more remarkable is the fact that they forgot to bring one for Luke, giving him the jam from Jackson's pantry... or should I say "Fruit de la tere"? And poor Kirk, he was forgotten yet again.

Lorelai and Rory's return after a summer abroad reunites them with old Stars Hollow favourites. Very pregnant Sookie is radiant, hiding all the boyish-blue clothes and furniture from Jackson. What's so old fashionned about not knowing the sex of your baby anyways? Luke is also back from his cruise with Nicole. I must've been as sad as Lorelai when I learned that he had gotten married on the boat... which I actually learned before the episode... the WB sure has a way of ruining surprises in previews. However, the news of a forthcoming divorce was reasuring, while sad at the same time. Poor Luke.

Between "biscotti moments", the Lorelais are making their way through their beloved town, catching a fight between Luke and Taylor at the new old fashionned candy store, noticing scary posters of the Ice Cream Queen, and meeting up with Kirk who still works at the Beauty Supply Store. What a talented guy that Kirk, and lets add parachuting to that resume!

Sadened by the news that their last week together will be cut short (no Sophia dying over and over again), the girls settle for another "biscotti moment", this one at the grandparents', after a long dinner, while watching ballroom dancing competitions. I was surprised to see such an interest on Emily's part. Considering she's been taping every single competition since 1978, it would be impossible to find a more dedicated fan in Hartford.

Lorelai: Wow, we sure have a lot of gifts. Do we like this many people?
Rory: I didn't think so. Maybe we're getting soft in our old age.

Lorelai: It's the perfect gift for Luke. Fine fancy jam from France.
Rory: Fine fancy jam from Jackson's pantry.
Lorelai: I don't know what you're talking about. I am looking right here at this beautiful hand-crafted label and it says "Fruits de la Terre."

"Every sad story needs nuns." - Lorelai

Lorelai: Vos odeurs de chat.
Luke: What's that?
Lorelai: Your cat smells.
Luke: You must've been a big hit with the salon set.

"Oh my God, you finally reproduced." - Lorelai to a married Luke

[ written march 8 2004 ]

© 2004 Little Corner of the World [Elise]